Please describe your proposed solution

Apollo, a Golang transaction-building library for Cardano, has been crucial in enabling developers to interact with the blockchain. However, the toolset in Cardano's Golang ecosystem is still in its growth phase and needs to mature to attract developers from other blockchains. A robust Golang environment can foster cross-chain projects, potentially bringing in developers from platforms like Polkadot and USDC.

Currently, Apollo is maintained solely by one developer, Edoardo, who is also one of the founders of Dex Hunter. His growing responsibilities make it increasingly difficult for him to dedicate the time needed for Apollo's maintenance and development. As a result, its growth and sustainability are at risk.

We propose to solve this by funding new developers who can help maintain and enhance the library. Several developers have expressed interest in contributing to Apollo but lack the resources and time to do so without funding. One prime example is Blinklabs, a group known for its expertise in Cardano-specific Golang toolsets. They are willing to contribute to Apollo, but like others, require funding support.

By funding and onboarding developers, we will accelerate the growth of Apollo, adding features, improving documentation, and ensuring long-term support. This will make the Golang toolset on Cardano more attractive to developers from other blockchains, enabling easier cross-chain integrations and contributing to Cardano’s overall ecosystem growth.

Our impact will be demonstrated through increased contributions to the Apollo repository, new feature rollouts, better documentation, and ultimately, a more mature and widely-used toolset. These improvements will directly benefit Cardano developers and foster greater innovation in the ecosystem.

Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Apollo’s success will significantly benefit the Cardano ecosystem by expanding the Golang toolset, making it more attractive and accessible to developers from various blockchain backgrounds. As Apollo matures, it will unlock new opportunities for cross-chain projects, including collaborations with platforms like Polkadot and support for assets like USDC. This will drive broader adoption of Cardano, positioning it as a leading blockchain in terms of interoperability and developer-friendly infrastructure.

By onboarding and funding developers, we will ensure that Apollo remains a cutting-edge, reliable transaction-building library. This will accelerate the development of dApps, smart contracts, and other innovations within the Cardano ecosystem, ultimately benefiting businesses, developers, and end-users.

We will measure the impact through both quantitative and qualitative metrics, including:

1. Developer Contributions: An increase in the number of developers contributing to Apollo’s repository, as tracked through GitHub activity (commits, pull requests, issue resolutions).
2. New Features and Enhancements: The successful implementation of new features, tools, and documentation that make Apollo easier to use for a wider audience of developers.
3. Adoption and Usage: The number of projects, dApps, and smart contracts utilizing Apollo, including cross-chain integrations with platforms like Polkadot or Ethereum, will serve as a clear indicator of success.
4. Community Feedback: Qualitative feedback from developers using Apollo, gathered through surveys, GitHub discussions, and participation in live coding sessions.

We will also share the outcomes of this project through:

• Open Source Contributions: All code and documentation will remain open-source, ensuring that developers in the Cardano ecosystem can freely access and contribute to Apollo’s continued growth.
• Developer Engagement: Regular live coding sessions, workshops, and webinars will be organized to onboard new contributors and demonstrate how to use Apollo effectively in their projects.
• Documentation: Comprehensive, well-maintained documentation will be provided to help developers at all levels integrate Apollo into their workflows.
• Community Updates: We will provide regular updates to the Cardano community through channels like the Cardano Forum, developer newsletters, and social media, ensuring that our progress and opportunities are visible to the entire ecosystem.

What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Edoardo Salvioni, a founder of DexHunter, has demonstrated his ability to build and manage successful, secure, and efficient DeFi applications on Cardano. DexHunter, as the leading DEX aggregator on Cardano, handles the majority of daily trading volume on the network, with Apollo playing a critical role in its infrastructure. Edoardo’s experience and deep understanding of the Cardano ecosystem ensure that Apollo will be enhanced with the highest standards of security and performance.

Blink Labs has decades of experience in delivering open-source software and has completed two previous Catalyst Fund 9 proposals. With two ongoing projects funded by Fund 11, they have consistently met all milestones, delivering high-quality work that is open and transparent for public review. Their highly cohesive team has worked together for years, allowing them to provide accurate time and cost estimates. Blink Labs will manage Apollo development by creating and tracking GitHub issues, with milestones directly correlating to proposal milestones. This transparent workflow will ensure that all development is well-documented, accountable, and visible to the Cardano community.

M. Ali Modiri, brings a robust cybersecurity background, having worked as a malware analyst and penetration tester, and is skilled in programming from low-level languages like Assembly and C to high-level languages like Golang and TypeScript. As a student of Gimbalabs, he specializes in Plutus smart contract development and contributes to the Cardano ecosystem as a member of the Cardano Certification Working Group. He is also the author of CIP 96. His expertise in blockchain security and smart contracts ensures that Apollo’s development will follow best practices for safety and reliability, a crucial aspect of a transaction-building library.

To ensure the feasibility of our approach, we will:

1. Track Work Transparently: Blink Labs will create GitHub issues for each task and track them using a project board, aligning GitHub milestones with proposal milestones. This ensures that the progress of each deliverable is transparent and accountable to the community.
2. Clear Milestone Management: We will establish clear milestones for Apollo’s growth, such as onboarding new developers, adding specific features, and improving documentation, which will be tracked publicly on GitHub. Meeting these milestones will validate our approach and ensure accountability for the use of funds.
3. Regular Community Updates: We will provide regular updates to the Cardano community through social channels, forums, and GitHub to keep stakeholders informed of our progress and ensure transparency throughout the project.
4. Open-Source Commitment: All code, documentation, and project updates will be open-source, ensuring that the Cardano community can monitor and contribute to the project’s success.

What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Milestone 1: High-Performance Library Optimization and Error Handling

Duration: 1 month

Milestone Outputs:

• Rewrite critical sections of the Apollo library to achieve high performance.
• Implement comprehensive error handling and logging mechanisms throughout the library.
• Add support for additional blockchain explorers like Blockfrost and Maestro.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Performance benchmarks demonstrating improved efficiency compared to previous versions.
• Successful implementation of error handling with appropriate logging for all major functions.
• Verification of additional blockchain explorers integrated and functioning correctly.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Performance test results showcasing improvements.
• Code review results confirming successful implementation of error handling and logging.
• Demonstration of new blockchain explorer functionalities in a live coding session or recorded video.

Milestone 2: Full Plutus Version 3 Support in Apollo

Duration: 1 month

Milestone Outputs:

• Implement full support for Plutus Version 3, ensuring compatibility with the latest Cardano smart contract functionalities.
• Update documentation to reflect new capabilities and usage guidelines for developers.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Successful execution of Plutus Version 3 smart contracts using Apollo.
• Comprehensive testing demonstrating the library’s functionality across various use cases.
• Documentation is updated and reviewed by community members for clarity and completeness.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• GitHub pull requests showing the addition of Plutus Version 3 support.
• Test results and logs from successful contract executions.
• Updated and published documentation in the Apollo repository.

Milestone 3: Comprehensive Cardano CLI Functionalities in Apollo

Duration: 2 months

Milestone Outputs:

• Integrate all relevant Cardano CLI functionalities into the Apollo library.
• Provide comprehensive documentation and usage examples for these CLI functions.

Acceptance Criteria:

• All integrated CLI functions perform as expected, with unit tests demonstrating reliability.
• Documentation includes clear examples and is accessible to developers.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• GitHub pull requests showing the successful integration of CLI functionalities.
• Test results and logs from successful contract executions.
• Updated and published documentation in the Apollo repository.

Milestone 4: Integration of dRep and Full Cardano Governance Functionalities

Duration: 2 months

Milestone Outputs:

• Implement dRep functionalities to enable full governance features in Apollo, aligned with the Chang hard fork.
• Develop governance-related documentation and examples for user guidance.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Successful interaction with Cardano governance functionalities through Apollo.
• Testing scenarios demonstrating governance features (e.g., voting, proposals).
• Documentation is updated and reviewed by community members for clarity and completeness.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• GitHub pull requests showing the successful integration of Cardano Governance Functionalities.
• Test results and logs from successful contract executions.
• Updated and published documentation in the Apollo repository.

Final Milestone: Final Evaluation and Project Closure

Duration: 1 month

Milestone outputs:

• Final evaluation of project outcomes
• Comprehensive project closure report
• Presentation of the project closure report to the Cardano community
• Closeout Video of the completed project for Catalyst town hall, highlighting the achievements, impact, and lessons learned throughout the project.

Acceptance criteria:

• Comprehensive project closeout report and a closeout video with key findings, lessons learned, and recommendations.

Evidence of milestone completion:

1. Presentation of the project Closeout Report and the Closeout Video to the Cardano community
2. A detailed closeout report link, accessible to reviewers, and the Closeout Video link

Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Edoardo Salvioni ("Zhaata") – Lead Developer

LinkedIn | GitHub

Edoardo is the creator of the Apollo library and has been a dedicated blockchain developer specializing in Cardano for the past two years. He has made significant contributions to the Cardano ecosystem through projects like jpg.store and CNFT Jungle. As the co-founder and CTO of DexHunter, the largest DEX aggregator on Cardano, he has extensive experience in DeFi and transaction-building tools, with Apollo playing a crucial role in DexHunter’s infrastructure. Edoardo will oversee the development of new features and the general maintenance of Apollo, ensuring its continuous growth and alignment with Cardano's evolving requirements.

Chris Gianelloni – Senior Developer (Blink Labs)

GitHub

Chris is a principal engineer with over 20 years of experience, specializing in building open-source software. As a member of Blink Labs, Chris will be primarily responsible for leading the technical development of Apollo, focusing on implementing new functionalities such as Plutus Version 3, CLI support, and governance integration. His expertise will be critical in optimizing the Apollo library for high performance and scalability.

Aurora Gaffney – Code Reviewer and Documentation Specialist (Blink Labs)

GitHub

Aurora brings deep experience in code review, documentation, and software support. She will ensure that the Apollo codebase maintains high-quality standards, providing thorough code reviews and updates to the documentation. Aurora’s role will be essential in making Apollo more accessible to developers and ensuring that all updates are documented for future contributors.

M. Ali Modiri – Security & Smart Contract Specialist

LinkedIn | GitHub

Ali has a strong cybersecurity background as a malware analyst and penetration tester, with expertise in both low- and high-level programming languages. As a Gimbalabs student specializing in Plutus smart contracts, Ali is deeply involved in the Cardano ecosystem and is the author of CIP 96. He will contribute to Apollo by enhancing its security features and ensuring the robustness of smart contract support, particularly with the integration of Plutus Core.

Additional Team Members (Planned Recruitment)

To scale Apollo and maintain its development momentum, we plan to recruit additional developers with the following skill sets:

• Golang Developers: To assist in the integration of Cardano CLI and governance functionalities and the optimization of the Apollo codebase for performance improvements.
• Blockchain Specialists: Developers with experience in Plutus and Cardano smart contracts to support the integration of advanced governance features and Plutus Core.
• Documentation and Support: A dedicated technical writer will be recruited to ensure that Apollo’s documentation remains clear, comprehensive, and up-to-date, improving accessibility for new contributors and developers.

This team is well-equipped to deliver the proposed features for Apollo, with strong technical expertise, a commitment to open-source development, and a track record of successful projects on Cardano.

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

<u>Milestone 1:</u>

Expected Cost: <u>46,660 ₳ </u>

Resources Needed:

• Development:
• Golang developers (2 developers, 122 ₳ per hour for 140 hours) [34,160₳]
• Documentation and Testing:
• Performance and error handling documentation [3,000 ₳]
• Internal and community testing [2,000 ₳]
• Project Management:
• Project manager: 1 (100 ADA hourly, 30 hours) [3,000 ₳]
• GitHub project management tools and support [1,500 ₳]
• Auditing &amp; Code Review:
• Blink Labs review of code [3,000 ₳]

<u>Milestone 2:</u>

Expected Cost: <u>46,160 ₳ </u>

Resources Needed:

• Development:
• Golang developers (2 developers, 122 ₳ per hour for 140 hours) [34,160₳]
• Documentation and Testing:
• Technical writer for updating documentation [2,500 ₳]
• Internal and community testing incentives [2,000 ₳]
• Project Management:
• Project manager: 1 (100 ADA hourly, 30 hours) [3,000 ₳]
• GitHub project management tools and support [1,500 ₳]
• Auditing &amp; Code Review:
• Blink Labs review of code [3,000 ₳]

<u>Milestone 3:</u>

Expected Cost: <u>48,760 ₳ </u>

Resources Needed:

• Development:
• Golang developers (2 developers, 122 ₳ per hour for 140 hours) [34,160₳]
• Testing &amp; Documentation:
• Documentation and code examples for developers [2,500 ₳]
• Testing and testnet setup [2,000 ₳]
• Services:
• Subscription for Blockfrost or Maestro integration [2,600 ₳]
• Project Management:
• Project manager: 1 (100 ADA hourly, 30 hours) [3,000 ₳]
• GitHub project management tools and support [1,500 ₳]
• Auditing &amp; Code Review:
• Blink Labs review of code [3,000 ₳]

<u>Milestone 4:</u>

Expected Cost: <u>50,660 ₳</u>

Resources Needed:

• Development:
• Golang developers (2 developers, 122 ₳ per hour for 140 hours) [34,160₳]
• Documentation and Testing:
• Documentation and community tutorials on dRep integration [3,000 ₳]
• Internal and community testing incentives [2,000 ₳]
• Marketing &amp; Community Engagement:
• Outreach and tutorials for developers using Apollo for governance [2,000 ₳]
• Project Management:
• Project manager: 1 (100 ADA hourly, 30 hours) [3,000 ₳]
• GitHub project management tools and support [1,500 ₳]
• Auditing &amp; Code Review:
• Blink Labs review of code [3,000 ₳]

<u>Final Milestone:</u>

Expected cost: <u>4,600 ₳</u>

Resources needed:

• Documentation and Report: [1000 ₳]
• Closeout video production and community presentation [2,600 ₳]
• Townhall Presentation and Engagements [1,000 ₳]

<u>Notice:</u> All ADA prices are calculated from USD with a ₳ price of 0.35 $ as a worst-case scenario. The exact hours and calculations can be seen in our budget. A contingency fund of 3,160 ₳ is included to cover any unforeseen expenses or adjustments during the project lifecycle, ensuring flexibility and risk management. While this proposal covers the core costs, additional partnerships and external contributions may be pursued. Blink Labs, for example, is providing some resources to support ongoing development, and community grants or sponsorships could be explored for further scaling and outreach.

No dependencies.

How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The requested budget for the Apollo Library project reflects a careful consideration of costs versus the anticipated benefits for the Cardano ecosystem. Our proposed budget accounts for the complexity and technical requirements necessary to elevate Apollo to a competitive level with other blockchain ecosystems, particularly those that utilize Golang. Here’s how our costs represent value for money:

1. Market-Driven Rates: The costs associated with development are aligned with industry standards for blockchain development, specifically within the Cardano ecosystem. We have based our developer compensation on the average hourly rates of 122 ₳ (42.7 USD), which are consistent with current freelance rates for skilled Golang developers. This ensures that we are attracting and retaining top talent necessary for high-quality deliverables.
2. Significant Deliverables: Each milestone represents a tangible enhancement to the Apollo library, including:

• Support for Plutus Version 3, enabling more sophisticated smart contracts.
• Integration of dRep and governance features, aligning with Cardano’s future direction.
• Comprehensive CLI functionalities, increasing the accessibility of Apollo for developers.
• Performance optimizations that will directly improve user experience and efficiency.

1. Long-Term Investment: The Apollo library is essential for the Cardano ecosystem, particularly in fostering the growth of decentralized applications (dApps) and attracting developers from other ecosystems. By investing in Apollo’s development, we are investing in a robust infrastructure that supports the future of Cardano and its broader adoption, potentially leading to increased user activity and transactions within the network.
2. Cost Justification: Our budget includes a variety of roles and tasks, from development to documentation and community engagement, all of which are vital for the project’s success. Each cost element has been reviewed and justified based on the expected outcomes, ensuring that every expense contributes to the library’s growth and usability.
3. Transparency and Accountability: We commit to maintaining transparency with all funding and expenditures. The project will utilize GitHub for tracking progress and issues, allowing community members to review milestones and understand how funds are being utilized. We will also provide regular updates to the Cardano community, ensuring that stakeholders can see the ongoing impact of their investment.